Baba Yaga

I don't think fragile is the right word as they've last multiple battles and many polishes. There is always a give and take when a smith is manufacturing anything for lightness, speed, durability.

Kitchen knifes don't need to be light and durable at the same time. IMO we should only measure greatness in ones own time.

The Yen is down to the U.S. dollar by 25%. Japan never really rebounded from the last recession. Add on the supply issues / energy and check on prices in Oct and Nov.

A few decades ago in the U.S. Japanese Military Swords were considered for Tameshigiri. The Art was so small I don't believe their was much damage done and now discourage . More damage is made when the kids find the old sword in the back of grandpas closet.

Add ALL the administrative time on top of those numbers. organization, documentation, etc, etc.

I was around well before Darcy got his start and sold his Tech business. He was told by a few of US, how the game is played and paid a considerable amount of "tuition". Meaning, like most newbies he found out by paying his dues.. I remember when the Japanese figured out how to take photos with shadow boxes and lighting, so he went to Japan and found out how they did it. If my very good memory serves me right, he posted it somewhere at the time. I don't know if the old post is still around, I have no need to look for it. The post was long before this forum, so there may be an updated version.

Franco, I think you're smart enough to know the answers. I'm not prepared to get into Japans economical and geopolitical issues with group-think.

The above sword has nothing to do with my opinion as I have stated the obvious before. Shinsa standards have lazed greatly in the last 20+ years. Sometimes that's a good thing and sometimes it's not. -Yin and Yang.

Gold and silver nunome inlay Check Swastika symbol ?

Yamada Asaemon Yoshitoshi Allegedly true and documented. https://nihontoantiques.com/project/7561/

This is the Gaijin version. You may be looking for The Japanese version. https://www.bujinkangreece.net/el/arthra-skepseis/tameshigiri-art-cutting

I guy on craigslist posted (5) 300-500 year old swords in good shape for $350. I gave him $500, they were worth thousands. If someone is not a "friend" it comes down to what's a couple of decades worth of books, time and tuition ( losing money to dealers ) worth. I've also done Kantei for friends for free.

Try to keep up kid, I'm on to the marrow of the bone.

It's only a stupid question when not using the search "Yasuri-me" http://meiboku.info/guide/form/yasurime/index.htm In todays society>>>???

Their used to be a Japanese National who attended the SF sword show way back when. Anyway, he had a pile, and I mean pile of Tsuka-less and poor saya swords for sale. I never really payed much attention to him, but he did have a following of young*bucks.

The thought process of an uneducated treasure hunter doesn't work like that. A "professional Togishi" won't take the job, but a hack polisher will. Thus, the revolving mistake and BIG story on ebay will evolve. Can't change the mind of the unwilling. For every 1 who seeks an answer for a mistake, there is 12 who won't.

You should of bought the umbrella model. It's has that cool James Bond look.

Have we established the majority of people don't ask before they leap? It's, "I found a treasure" and don't want to ask for fear of some else buying. Seems to happen weekly!

I should of stated the obvious

Not much has changed in 15 years, or 25 years, or 800 years in regards to Nihonto. A sword is a sword is a sword. The only thing I see, it's way easier to receive papers. The powers at be have loosen the criteria.

Some of those scratches look uniform. I'm not sure if the saya is the cause, or not. You can remove those light scratches easily. Should contact a togi.

scratches!

koto ??? tachi fittings ??? How much did you pay for that blade, then add $3000+ for "restoration", 1 year out. I'd have someone that really knows what they are doing look at the blade fist. IN HAND.

I've never seen a military leather covered Tanto before.

whereas the Japanese could do close to the same, the results were often inferior quality (bundle swords). I've read this in many books too. However, if the 16c war blades were inferior, why so many exists today in such good of shape? Something to think about.